Shadows of the City: New York in the 1970s•Sep 21, 2025 12:25:08 PM

The Detective's Ledger: Death, Deception, and the Code of Silence

In this episode, Michael and Vanessa unravel the mysterious death of Detective Frank Malloy and the coded notebook he left behind. As they decode his cryptic entries, they expose a web of corruption that persisted even after the Knapp Commission's investigation into NYPD misconduct. Follow the journey of a young Village Voice reporter determined to reveal the truth about framed suspects and the officers who betrayed their badges in 1970s New York.

About the Show

Shadows of the City: New York in the 1970s is a narrative investigative historical podcast series that delves into the darker side of New York during one of its most turbulent decades. Each episode uncovers forgotten stories of corruption, crime, and the people who navigated a city on the brink, bringing to light the complex realities that shaped modern New York.

Meet Your Hosts

Michael Donovan

A former crime reporter for the New York Times in the 1990s, Michael brings decades of journalistic experience and personal connections to New York's law enforcement community through his uncle, who served as an NYPD detective during the 1960s-70s. His deep, measured delivery and meticulous research provide historical context that grounds each episode in authentic detail.

Vanessa Rodriguez

An accomplished investigative journalist specializing in police reform and criminal justice, Vanessa offers incisive analysis that bridges past and present. As a first-generation New Yorker whose parents lived through the city's turbulent 1970s, she brings both professional expertise and personal connection to the stories, challenging listeners to see the systemic patterns that connect historical corruption to contemporary issues.